February birth approaches for burgeoning mum-to-be Mel C

9 JANUARY 2009She's the only one of the Spice Girls yet to become a mum, but that will all change next month for Melanie Chisholm, who's expecting a baby with property developer Thomas Starr in February. And as she stepped out in London this week, her large tummy barely hidden by a winter coat, it looked like the new arrival will be making its appearance - they've chosen not to know its sex beforehand - sooner rather than later.

And as soon as there are any signs the baby is on its way, Melanie will be heading straight for the maternity ward. "I want to give birth in hospital, rather than at home, just in case something goes wrong - especially as it's my first," she says.

The couple, who've been together since 2002 and share a home in Wales, are also reported to be planning to tie the knot in the spring.

Sporty isn't the only famous face about to become a mum. Jamie Oliver's wife Jools, who already has two daughters with the celebrity chef, Poppy Honey, six, and five-year-old Daisy Boo, was also showing off her burgeoning bump this week.

Like Mel, the pair have elected not to know if the new arrival, expected on April 1, is a boy or a girl. Both have their own ideas about what it might be, though.